Access shouldn’t depend on ZIP code

By Steven L. Johnson

Recent comments about shifting more control of education to the states raise an important question for rural North Dakota.

I have confidence that our state leadership understands the needs of our schools and will act in the best interest of students. The broader issue is whether rural schools across the country—many with limited resources and capacity—will be equally supported if targeted federal programs are reduced or consolidated.

Programs like the Rural Education Achievement Program were created because rural districts were not well served by broader funding systems. In North Dakota, more than 80% of districts qualify, most with enrollments of 600 or fewer. These are small, efficient schools operating with tight budgets and little ability to replace lost funding locally.

REAP dollars go directly into classrooms—supporting intervention, staffing and technology that many districts cannot otherwise provide. This is not about bureaucracy; it’s about access. When funding decisions are pushed into broader systems, smaller districts often lose out—not because of poor leadership, but because of limited capacity and scale.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about making sure every student has a fair shot.

Where a child lives should not determine the opportunities they receive.

Steven L. Johnson is the superintendent of the Fort Ransom School District; an executive committee member with the National Rural Education Association; and board member of North Dakota Small Organized Schools; and founder of Rural Educational Associates.